Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) 9th
Edition – Full-Length Mock Exam with
Rationales 2026 Version 2 Updated Practice
Material
1. A patient fell two weeks ago and struck their head. Today
the patient presents with persistent headache and
nausea and is diagnosed with a small subdural
hematoma. After 24 hours in the emergency
department, the patient becomes anxious, restless,
tremulous, and vomits twice. The patient reports visual
disturbances during the night. What is the most likely
cause of these findings?
a. Increased intracranial pressure
b. Alcohol withdrawal
c. Rhabdomyolysis
d. Pulmonary embolus
Rationale: The symptoms of tremors, anxiety,
hallucinations, and vomiting after hospitalization are
classic for alcohol withdrawal and are not explained by a
small stable subdural hematoma.
1
, 2. Treatment for frostbite may include which intervention?
a. Rapid warming over 5 minutes
b. Vigorous massage of the affected area
c. Administration of tissue plasminogen activator
d. Leaving hemorrhagic blisters intact
Rationale: In severe frostbite, thrombolytic therapy may
improve tissue perfusion and reduce tissue loss.
3. A patient with a spinal cord injury at the C5 level is
awaiting transfer to a trauma center. What is the highest
priority for ongoing assessment and management?
a. Maintaining adequate respiratory status
b. Administering crystalloid fluids
c. Serial neurologic examinations
d. Maintaining normothermia
Rationale: Injuries at or above C5 may impair
diaphragmatic function, making airway and ventilation
the top priority.
4. Following a bomb explosion, injuries caused by flying
debris are classified as which type of blast injury?
a. Primary
2
Edition – Full-Length Mock Exam with
Rationales 2026 Version 2 Updated Practice
Material
1. A patient fell two weeks ago and struck their head. Today
the patient presents with persistent headache and
nausea and is diagnosed with a small subdural
hematoma. After 24 hours in the emergency
department, the patient becomes anxious, restless,
tremulous, and vomits twice. The patient reports visual
disturbances during the night. What is the most likely
cause of these findings?
a. Increased intracranial pressure
b. Alcohol withdrawal
c. Rhabdomyolysis
d. Pulmonary embolus
Rationale: The symptoms of tremors, anxiety,
hallucinations, and vomiting after hospitalization are
classic for alcohol withdrawal and are not explained by a
small stable subdural hematoma.
1
, 2. Treatment for frostbite may include which intervention?
a. Rapid warming over 5 minutes
b. Vigorous massage of the affected area
c. Administration of tissue plasminogen activator
d. Leaving hemorrhagic blisters intact
Rationale: In severe frostbite, thrombolytic therapy may
improve tissue perfusion and reduce tissue loss.
3. A patient with a spinal cord injury at the C5 level is
awaiting transfer to a trauma center. What is the highest
priority for ongoing assessment and management?
a. Maintaining adequate respiratory status
b. Administering crystalloid fluids
c. Serial neurologic examinations
d. Maintaining normothermia
Rationale: Injuries at or above C5 may impair
diaphragmatic function, making airway and ventilation
the top priority.
4. Following a bomb explosion, injuries caused by flying
debris are classified as which type of blast injury?
a. Primary
2
